Pharmacology

Explore how drugs work and are developed through an approach combining human physiology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology. Gain hands-on laboratory experience and prepare for roles in the pharmaceutical industry.

Explore how drugs affect the body and how they’re used to treat disease. Learn how new medicines are discovered, developed and tested, and how science helps improve health.

• Discover the power of pharmacology: explore how drugs interact with the human body, from molecular mechanisms to novel therapeutics and how they can make a real difference in human health.

• Hands-on learning: master advanced techniques like cell culture and flow cytometry in our Super-Lab and prepare for a career in pharmacology.

• Launch your career: gain the skills and knowledge valued by employers and prepare for a range of career paths within the pharmaceutical industry in research, development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs and more.

Why you should study this course

• Contemporary facilities: learn techniques from mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry to Western blotting and HPLC in the Super-Lab. Gain hands-on experience with real-time PCR, organ baths and physiological testing like electromyography, electrocardiography and spirometry.

• Common first year: collaborate and work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions.

• Industry expertise: our ties with industry experts, guest speakers and alumni could help you get access to real-world insights and networking opportunities.

• Student-centred active learning: this course will be delivered through a blend of hands-on laboratory-based sessions, physiological simulation, interactive lectures and discursive workshops. Apply your knowledge and skills to an independent research project in the final year.

• Placement opportunities: Elect to apply for either a one-year professional training placement, or an international experience year to enhance learning and gain a competitive advantage in the workplace after graduation.

Our Award-winning Green Superlab
With space for over 250 students and packed full of industry-standard equipment, the Coventry University Superlab is an amazing place to learn, experiment and discover.

This course includes a sandwich (placement year) option.

For the most update to date course details, please visit our website.

Course Modules

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

• Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
• Human Biosciences BSc (Hons)
• Biological and Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
• Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

Year One
In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and final years to specialist modules in your chosen field. It provides underpinning knowledge, laboratory and data analysis skills relevant for pharmacology. This shared approach allows you to appreciate a diversity of applications and roles for biosciences and to gain a broad topic understanding.

Modules

• Introduction to Biomolecules and Biochemistry
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Cells to Systems

Year Two
In the second year, there is a greater emphasis on the biology of disease. You will begin to specialise in pharmacology and related areas including physiology, biochemistry, immunology, and genetics.

Laboratory work is a key component of the course, enabling you to learn the experimental techniques and develop the key experimental, data handling and reporting skills required for careers in science4. Practical sessions will introduce you to modern laboratory techniques and clinical approaches to diagnosing and treating disease, while your research skills are broadened to include an understanding of research methodology and design, medical statistics, and methods of data analysis.

Modules

• Drug Analysis, Development and Formulation
• Cell and Molecular Biology: Function and Dysfunction
• Disease Pathophysiology and Therapeutics
• Immunology and Inflammation

Placement Year
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final years of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Final Year
In the final year, you will apply your knowledge gained from years one and two.

Modules

• Advanced Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
• Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
• Cancer Biology and Therapeutics
• Research Project

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content.

*For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website.